GPSWatch
Vector
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GPSWatch
Vector is a versatile application that targets the issue of rendering
vector maps using the J2ME platform. Since we are using
vector to
render maps the space complexity is considerably reduced and hence will
appeal to a wide variety of phone that have smaller memory.
In
addition to maps application provides features such as driving
directions, local search, address search, etc “without using
GPS”. The
application uses cell tower and cell string information to decode the
current location. |
Key
Issues Addressed by the
application
- Often, proper map “application
demand high end mobile phones” such as Symbian phones or
Windows Mobile phones whose market share is less in the Indian market.
- GPS enabled phones are very expensive and are “available
on in certain
high end mobile”
phones. Requirements such as Inbuilt GPS to precisely
plot the users and to give them context sensitive information narrows
down the scope of the users who can get the maximum value out of the
application.
- The map and other search “features
are not very relevant without user’s
location” information. So when installed on non GPS
phones, does not
deliver much value to the users.
- “Highly
GPRS dependent applications” often fail in Indian scenario
where GPRS connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
- Existing applications use “different
builds for different phones” preventing users to share
application over email or Bluetooth.
- There is no “compelling
open platform”
Highlights
The following are some unique features that make GPSWatch Vector a
perfect match to the requirements of the Indian consumers.
- Uses Multiple
Location Information Sources (decoupling
the dependency
on operator cell tower info)
- Geocodes Cell Tower Strings using Cell
Broadcast Information
- Uses Cell IDs to geocode location information
when available
- Supports other location sources such as
inbuilt GPS or external Bluetooth GPS
- Multiple
Communication Layers (making
the application appeal to mass audience)
- Supports all interactive features such as
directions, search, etc over SMS or GPRS
- Relies on Custom Compression Libraries for
SMS compression
- Peer to Peer
Communication (triggers
the viral growth of the user base)
- Supports sending location tagged messages and
business cards like VCARD sms
- Supports sharing current location, route
traces, POI and other artifacts with peer users
- Provides live tracking feature for custom
tracking applications
Conclusion
The
platform featuring the cell tower based location identification is
completely developed. The prototype application with 5x5 km cell tower
information (manually captured data) was used for demonstration. The
prototype passed “most feature tests on most phones over INR.
4000”
price bracket. The developed compression algorithms could support upto
“11 local search results or 32 direction points in one
SMS”, when used
instead of GPRS.
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